Climate Change

Our dependence on energy from fossil fuels and the large-scale clearance of rain forests is raising the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is resulting in measurable global warming and changes to our climate.

If we carry on at the same rate of emissions, global temperatures are predicted to rise by 2 to 4°C. Even if we can limit the temperature rise to just 2°C, here in Manchester we can still expect significant impacts such as heat waves, flash floods and droughts.

Sustainable Development

Adapting is just one part of the picture. We all need to change our behaviours to make our economy and society more sustainable.

"If everyone in the world consumed natural resources and generated carbon dioxide at the rate we do in the UK, we'd need three planets - not just one to support us. The impacts - not least climate change, deforestation and the loss of numerous species - are already starting to affect us all" - World Wildlife Fund

Curbing our use of natural resources is becoming a more and more pressing issue as the global population grows. The impacts of increasing resource demand include the loss of fertile land, water shortages and economic growth restriction.

We recognise this need to reduce our environmental impact as well as remaining efficient and demonstrating public value. We are working at all levels to become more sustainable, and promoting this in our work with the communities we serve.

Your Views

As your Fire and Rescue Service we use your views to guide our strategy and our objectives. In the 'Manchester is My Planet' survey, over 2500 of you responded to questions on climate change.

90% of respondents expressed their desire to see Greater Manchester take a lead on tackling climate change in the UK.

The feeling of urgency was very apparent with 93.1% believing action should be taken immediately.

From this and other surveys - (link to strategy page 11) it is clear that you want to see us do more to reduce our carbon footprint and make our organisation more sustainable.

Policy

On an international, national and local level, sustainability is high on the agenda. Bold targets have been set for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.

Here in Greater Manchester, we can be proud that our region is looking to take a lead in meeting these targets. In 2009, Greater Manchester was designated the UK's first Low Carbon Economic Area for the Built Environment, with the aims of: